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StarCraft II given Adults Only rating for Korea

StarCraft II has been given the most restrictive rating available by the …

With StarCraft II on the verge of release, it's no secret that fans all over the world are getting quite excited. But in Korea, the territory where the series is most popular, that excitement might be tempered by the fact that the country's Game Rating Board has given the game the equivalent of an Adults Only rating.

The news comes via the Korea Times (spotted by Kotaku). According to the report, SCII will be given an 18+ rating, the highest rating given to games in that country. Earlier versions of the game had been given a 15+ rating, while the original StarCraft and its expansion were given a 12+ rating.

"We have nothing to say at this point. We are discussing our official position on the matter as well as what would be the right reaction," a Blizzard Korea spokesperson told the Korea Times.

If Blizzard were to appeal the decision, it would have to file an objection within the next 30 days. Given the series' immense popularity in Korea—nearly half of the original's 10 million units sold were in South Korea—it seems likely that an objection will be forthcoming. However, Blizzard also has the option to adjust the controversial portions of the game in order to get the rating lowered, though this will most likely result in a delay.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is expected to be released worldwide later this year.